Top UK websites for health in later life

Posted on October 25, 2016
by Helen Field

Have you ever wondered how you or your family will cope with health in later life? Whether you're looking for information to support yourself in older age, or you're looking for ways to help an elderly relative,
there are several useful websites and organisations which can support you and your family. In this blog we look at a few you'll want to remember.

Having help enables older generations to stay active. From having a good hot meal put on the table, , to having someone round for a chat or to change a light bulb, there are plenty of ways the Royalty Voluntary Service can offer support,
including their programs like Meals on Wheels, Books on Wheels, and Good Neighbours.

The RVS can also help to find various social activities like lunch clubs, and arrange community transport for trips to the GP or to town. For information on eating
healthier in older age, how to overcome loneliness, or manage minor winter ailments, there are some useful articles.

Volunteering is what makes this service. If you're keen to volunteer you can search for opportunities which could be just down the road from your house.
You'll get the help you need through training and any expenses are reimbursed. Volunteering is great experience for students while at uni, as they get to meet new people, learn new skills, and get a break from studies by doing something
worthwhile.

Of course, you can help fundraise, donate by text or online, or become a partner. Why not read some real life stories of how Royal Voluntary Service volunteers are making a big
difference to many lives? Last year Simplyhealth donated £40,000 to RVS. Watch our video about the difference they are making with the donation here.

Royal Voluntary Service highlights:

Get help at home - meal or book delivery, dog walking, odd jobs like changing a light bulb

Socialise - lunch clubs, cafes, dancing, bingo, exercise programmes

Get a lift to your GP, hospital, shops, or to town

Help with becoming a volunteer - training, supervision, cover for expenses, insurance

On ward services - trolley rounds, reading material, games, company

Advice and support - eating well for over 70s, overcoming loneliness, guide to retirement

With a vision in helping everyone love later life, Age UK offers support and advice concerning money, healthcare, and wellbeing. There are opportunities to campaign, fundraise and donate towards
helping the aged community, as well as useful advice covering travel insurance, personal alarms and adjustable beds, to name a few.

Age UK has more to offer than you'd expect. Simplicity and ease are the saviours when it comes to getting on with everyday activities in later life. Age UK has already thought about the difficulties in using a mobile or hearing aid, for
instance. There's a range of products from stair lifts, to funeral plans. There are escorted holiday tours specially tailored for older people and many options to help live as full a life as
possible.

How about those who work with or for older people? There's a whole section for these professionals with topics like integrated care and Age Champions, and facts, stats, and
blogs for an insight into the latest issues and news.

This society focuses on support and research around Alzheimer's, for those living with dementia and people caring for someone with dementia. There's a useful A-Z of dementia and all the trusted information you can ever need including risk factors for dementia, diagnosis, treatments, research, and training for health and social care professionals. There's even an online forum called Talking Point, if you want to talk about dementia.

There are resources for health professionals including a free dementia brain tour, and a collection of videos exploring rarer causes of dementia, how brain
cells function, and Posterior Cortical Atrophy. You can delve into publications and find popular courses and qualifications like the bestselling
Foundation certificate in dementia awareness.

The Alzheimer's Society encourages fundraising and donations which go towards services, a helpline, research, campaigns and publications, so people can
gain a better understanding and awareness in curing, caring and preventing this brain damaging disease.

Alzheimer's Society highlights:

Learn all about dementia - A-Z of symptoms, diagnosis, treatments

Living with dementia - how to cope with memory problems, being independent

Benefits. Pensions. Tax. Debt. As we get older, our needs evolve and different questions plague our heads. Independent Age provides answers, advice and information on money, support and care, housing, health, personal life and planning for the
future.

In later life, circumstances can change and many people find themselves in a lonelier place than usual, maybe due to the death of a partner, or family living far away. This site helps people stay connected socially in later life through groups and activities like The Women's Institute, The Ramblers Association, Men's Sheds and
Thrive. You can even have a regular phone call or visit for some friendly company and a good natter.

There's up to date news and press releases on topics like helping older people suffering from depression, and a response to reports of closures of many public toilets, and a blog with thoughts and stories from Independent Age. Independent Age
is a great resource for older people, their families and carers.

Independent Age highlights:

Maintain happiness, wellbeing and health in later life - receive regular phone calls and visits

Have an active social life with groups and activities - floral art, gardening, cookery, astronomy, Walking for Health, learning new skills

Get crucial advice - protection against abuse, debt, adapting your home, help with dementia, power of attorney, staying healthy

Support older generations through volunteering, fundraising and campaigns like Care for Tomorrow

Learn about Independent Age's findings in policy and research reports - Poverty among the 'Silent Generation', How are councils performing?

So now you know some top UK websites which can help you and your family with health in later life. But what are the facts? What are we Britons doing about our health in later life? Our lastest Everyday Health Tracker with YouGov looks at some
stats regaring the health and wellbeing of over 55s. Find out more here.